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How to Use the Study Guide 4

An Introduction to the of

Lesson 1: All About 6 Text: :1-13 Key Verse(s): 1:7

Lesson 2: An 8 Text: Mark 1:14-20; 2:13-17 Key Verse(s): 1:17

Lesson 3: Ministry 10 Text: Mark 1:21-39 Key Verse(s): 1:22, 1:31, 1:35

Lesson 4: You Ever Seen Anything Like This 12 Text: Mark 2:1-12 Key Verse(s): 2:5 and 2:12

Lesson 5: Jesus Changes things - Part 14 Text: Mark 2:18-28 Key Verse(s): 2:22 and 2:27-28

Lesson 6: Jesus Changes Things Part 16 Text: Key Verse(s): 3:2 and 3:6

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At Fellowship Church Pellissippi we aim to be disciples that make disciples. We do this by gathering together for worship and teaching, growing together in -making groups and serving in the church and as the church in our community. Simply put, we Gather, we Grow and We Serve.

The primary way we grow is together and in the Word.

From the very beginning days of the Church disciples would gather together to be encouraged, sharpened, corrected and taught by the Word of God. The Word itself is life-giving. (Hebrews 4:12-13) We can learn from the scripture in our private study and we should. However, we grow together when we bring those private spiritual moments in to Gospel-centered community. Like fitness, we can exercise alone, but everyone knows the benefits of exercising with someone else. You get pushed and challenged to new heights. You have accountability to show up and participate. These are just a couple of benefits of studying Word in community. This study guide is designed with this in mind.

The Format

Our Study of the will be broken down into 5 mini-series Each mini-series will explore a particular theme and focus in the Gospel of Mark. Each lesson is based on the scripture passage taught during the Sunday worship gatherings. As a leader and a participant, the lessons will bring the most value when attended the worship gathering, or listened to the podcast.

Recommendations

Each week review the Scripture passage for the lesson. Make notes or journal what the Spirit is revealing to you. Review the questions ahead of time, jotting down answers in advance. This preparation will make your gathering time more beneficial not just for you, but for your fellow group members.

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In the Bigger Picture: The Gospel of Mark is the second of four Each of these four Gospels share the same theme: The good news (gospel) about Jesus. This is one of the reasons that you will see familiar stories repeated in the other accounts of Matthew, Luke and John. Reading all of the Gospels gives us a complimentary picture of the life and mission of Jesus, using different perspectives and emphases to tell us one story. This means that while occasionally you may read something that seems to be contradictory, in reality what you are reading is a different flavor of the same substance. Mark, like his fellow Gospel writers, penned down this account under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16). Though Mark and the other Gospels are inspired, they are written from the own human viewpoint, personality, and for a particular audience. This accounts for an occasional variance in an events details.

The Author: While no inherent claim of authorship is made in the book of Mark, we have considerable evidence that supports (his formal name, see Acts 12:12) as the author. Mark likely relied on the apostle Peter as a primary source for his Gospel account; we know that Mark and Peter shared a close bond (1 Pt 5:13) and that they worked closely together. He is also notably a cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10). failure and restoration is a significant storyline in the New Testament narrative. Paul felt that he was too risky to take a second chance on, but not Barnabas. Barnabas took him on his missionary journey, and the results indicate that Mark was fully restored through and mentorship. Paul even requested that Mark rejoin him in his ministry work (2 Tim 4:11).

Date and Setting: Most scholars believe that Mark was written around 50 A.D. This is a significant date, considering that many of the people mentioned in work as witnesses of the life and ministry of Jesus would have still been living when Mark wrote the details.

While Matthew was written primarily to a Jewish audience, Mark seems to be written first and foremost to Roman and Gentile believers. The minimal use of parables, use of Roman time, lack of genealogies, and the explanation of Jewish customs indicates that audience would have been Roman/Gentile. Another compelling reason why we believe Mark was specifically writing to Roman and Gentile readers is emphasis on the power of Jesus. Throughout Gospel, we see references to the power of Jesus made (i.e. Mk 5:30, 9:1, 13:26). Rome was a culture whose attentions were always fixed on gaining power, influence, and becoming dominant forces in the world. Mark showcases many miracles in his account, and he retells the events of life with action-oriented details; this would have made for engaging and interesting reading among the Roman and Gentile crowds.

Theme: Mark presents to us Jesus unparalleled in human history. His influence and power are on full display. What makes Mark unique is the deeply personal Jesus we see. There is a greater emphasis on actions, often showing and compassion that was extraordinarily counterculture in the times. 5

Mark 1:1-13 Key Verse(s): 1:7

All About

REVIEW: In the opening verse (1:1) Mark lays out the theme of his writing: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of What does this opening phrase tell you about the theme of the book? What is significant about the phrase Son of ?

REFLECTION: Mark records the beginning of John the ministry. had a very direct message: not about ME, all about message is inescapable: It is all about Jesus, which means not all about us. Is this a difficult message to hear, even when you are doing a study about Jesus?

Read Matthew 11:11 and Mark 1:7. What is the significance of words when you factor in his position and status?

While Gospel opens up with declarations about the greatness of Jesus, fascinating what Jesus first recorded act is: being baptized. What is the significance of baptism? Why would Jesus, who is sinless, be baptized? (Hint: Jesus answers objection in Matthew 3:15). What is Jesus foreshadowing in the very first moments of His ministry?

Mark 1:10 describes the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus, a sign for and the source of His empowerment to do His ministry. Do you see the full Trinity in 1:9-11? What is the role the Holy Spirt is playing?

In Mark 1:12 we see the word, This word is a signature one in Gospel. Watch for it as we go along. What is Jesus immediately thrust into after the Spirit falls on Him? Does this strike you as odd, or have you experienced the same phenomenon as a Christ follower?

Why is it significant that Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness?

RESPOND: How can you proclaim the greatness of Jesus with your mouth and in your life this week? In what specific ways can you model His humility this week?

With great confidence we can face the temptation of the enemy and the weariness of the wilderness because Jesus, our great Savior, has done so. We can do so only through the power of the given Holy Spirit in our lives.

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Mark 1:14-20; 2:13-17 Key Verse(s): 1:17

An

REVIEW: Jesus begins His public ministry by preaching the gospel and inviting a small group of men to come along for the ride of their lives. Preaching the gospel and inviting others into the journey; simple, yet profound. What might we learn from the early descriptions of ministry?

REFLECTION: Mark includes a significant little detail in verse 14. After John was arrested, Jesus came into , proclaiming the gospel of John arrest was the result of his willingness to call Herod to over sinful relations. The timing of Jesus preaching about a new Kingdom and repentance might be viewed as a bit precarious in light of what happened to John. What can we learn about message and the proclamation of it in convenient times?

Read Mark 1:15. The phrase time is refer to chronological time, but the timing of new chapter in His redemptive story. The King has come. People do not yet grasp it, but Jesus is identifying Himself as this fulfillment. How does teaching here affect how we think about the Old Testament? What does Jesus call people to do in response to this new moment in redemptive history?

Jesus choice of disciples is fascinating. If you were going to select twelve people to change the world, what kind of people would you select? What do you know about 1st century fishermen? What do you make of choice here?

Read Mark 2:13-17. Jesus selects another unusual candidate to be in his inner circle. How were tax collectors viewed in this society? What is Jesus accused of in these verses? What application can we make?

In Mark 1:17, Jesus issues a profound invitation: Follow This was a great honor for a Rabbi to give one such an invitation especially for men who had been overlooked because of their profession or reputation. At the same time, it would cost them a great deal to follow Jesus. What are some of the benefits of following Jesus in your life? The costs?

Read Mark 1:18. This verse is stunning. They literally walked away from everything and followed Jesus. What can we learn from this immediate obedience? Is there an area where you have been slow to follow Jesus?

RESPOND: Andrew and first actions as followers of Jesus are to invite others to join them. Who can you invite into a discipleship journey?

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Mark 1:21-39 Key Verse(s): 1:22, 1:31, 1:35

Jesus

REVIEW: Jesus moves into a prosperous fishing village on the northern side of the and immediately enters a synagogue to begin teaching. People are at His authority in teaching the Scriptures. As he moves into other areas, His teaching and miracles create a buzz. Something was unique about Jesus compared with other leaders and gifted teachers. What was it?

REFLECTION: Jesus teaching was more than just clever and charismatic. It had authority, not just impressive content. What does reading these verses in the greater context of writings (Mk 1:10 specifically) teach us about where this power came from?

Read Mark 1:23-28. This disturbance had to be awkward in the moment. Most of us would have quickly tried to remove the distraction, but Jesus has other plans. How does Jesus respond to the situation?

What does the response of the unclean spirit in verse 24 tell us about Jesus?

Read Mark 1:29-31. What does mother-in-law do in response to healing touch? What application can we make from this?

Read Mark 1:35-37. What does Jesus do after a busy season of ministry? Where does He go? What does He do? How does this sit with the expectations of His disciples and the crowds?

If Jesus needed solitude and extended time with the Father to spiritually rejuvenate, how should we apply this reality to our own lives? When do you get alone to pray and spend extended time with God?

RESPOND: One aspect of ministry that made Him so unique was that His gifted teaching was accompanied by generous acts of love and . Consider that He left the synagogue and entered into a home to do ministry. Where does the church need to back up its teaching with its actions? Where do you?

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Mark 2:1-12 Key Verse(s): 2:5 and 2:12

You Ever Seen Anything Like This

REVIEW: Jesus is back in Capernaum, with a large following desperate to hear His teaching and see His miracles. Mark gives us a dramatic anecdote about how a friends demonstrated great by cutting a hole in the ceiling just to get their paralytic friend to Jesus. Jesus identifies their faith (v. 5) as His motivation to bring healing. Jesus just bring physical healing, but stunningly declared the forgiven. What stands out to you most in this extraordinary encounter with Jesus?

REFLECTION: As you read this story, can you ever recall a time when you were so desperate to get to Jesus that you were willing to do whatever it took? How does this passage of Scripture contrast much of ?

The paralytic man apparently had friends who cared for him so much that even an impenetrable wall of people stop them from getting him to Jesus. Our first instinct might be to think, Wow, I want friends like However, a more probing question might be, What would you be willing to do for someone you love who needs

Read. Mark 2:5. Faith is the currency of economy. How hard is it for you to have faith that might even be viewed as strange or quirky?

Read Mark 2:6-7. Think on this statement for a moment. Who in their right mind would question Jesus after seeing this? Are we ever these people?

Jesus understood that the paralytic greatest need physical healing for his legs, but forgiveness of sins applied to his heart. The physical ailment became a gift because it is what brought him to Jesus. How can pain be a good thing in life? How has hardship brought you closer to Jesus?

RESPOND: Jesus knew the hearts of the skeptics and the reluctant paralytic alike. This is both a scary and encouraging proposition. Jesus knows all of our thoughts evil and good. This might conjure up guilt and shame. Yet in spite of omniscience (all-knowing), the good news is that Christ still chose to come as our Savior. This should conjure up worship and joy. This is the heart of the gospel in Mark!

Verse 12 describes a tremendous sense of awe that fell on the crowd that day. Spend some time reflecting and giving testimony on ways in which others have pointed you to Jesus, and on ways in which Jesus has provided you with healing.

Who do you know that needs the gospel message of forgiveness from sins?

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Mark 2:18-28 Key Verse(s): 2:22 and 2:27-28

Jesus Changes things - Part

REVIEW: In this passage we see a sharp contrast between graceless religion and gospel awakened life with Jesus. Jesus is questioned for being too worldly in 2:16 and not spiritual enough in 2:18. This is part of the tension that always exists when we try to live faithfully according to the gospel. We are to hate , and love sinners. We are to be the world, but not the world. Have you ever felt like you were torn between people who think too religious and people who think not religious enough?

REFLECTION: The message and life of Jesus was attractive and confusing at the same time. He was infinitely holy, and yet we see Jesus often eating with sinners. He taught that God was holy and righteous, but also that sinners could be forgiven and have relationship with Him.

What expectations did Jesus defy in Mark 2?

Do you struggle with law and grace? How does change affect you? Do you go with the flow, or do you want to remain in control?

What is Jesus trying to convey in v. 21-22? How do we try to infuse law into grace?

When people outside of the faith see religion at work, what do you think they see most often? If you were describing a modern-day equivalent to what Jesus was describing here with the , what would it be?

Read Mark 2:23-28. What does Jesus use to counteract the accusations? When outsiders or insiders make accusations against us, how should we respond?

RESPOND: Other religions are the result of a human search for God, yet presents itself as search for humans even those the world deems the most unworthy. How can you engage in advocating for those deemed ?

Jesus ministry is associated more with table meals, fellowship, parties, even feeding huge crowds in the desert, than with ascetic . The question about fasting forces us to question the purposes of our religious traditions. Are you trying to earn favor with your religious activities, or responding into delight to favor already been given?

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Mark 3 Key Verse(s): 3:2 and 3:6

Jesus Changes Things Part

REVIEW: We love change that frees us, heals us and benefits us immediately. (Part 1) But what about the change that truly changes us? The kind of change that disrupts our norm? It is at this point in ministry that His popularity is now creating some enemies. teaching gives more than ever, but requires more than ever as well. This change disrupts the apple cart. Following Jesus is proving to be costly for His disciples, and the same is true for us today. How have you suffered or been maligned for following Jesus or His teachings?

REFLECTION: Mark 3:7 indicates that Jesus with His disciples from where He was. The conflict between Jesus and other religious leaders revealed a level where Jesus felt a change was needed. What does this teach us about ministry and timing?

Read Mark 3:13-14. There is a distinct connection in the words and According to the passage, what is the connection? How does this model influence our disciple-making efforts?

Why is it critical to spend time with Jesus before being sent by Jesus?

Read Mark 3:21. What did own family think about His ministry?

Do you ever feel the tension of being faithful to Jesus, but also not being a freak to the secular world? Considering Jesus's entire life, what might this passage teach us about handling that tension?

In bringing this passage into our culture, we would do well to ask ourselves what it takes to convince people that Jesus is the Son of God. What are the best tactics?

Read Mark 3:21-25. How does this passage affect how you think about your life group? Other church members?

RESPOND: Jesus made something new. not always going to be popular because of what it requires. not always going to make sense to our culture or even be palatable to some. We might even find it hard to please family, friends and co-workers. Andy Stanley has said, Salvation is free it cost you nothing, but following Jesus will cost you

How does Mark 3:35 encourage us in times when following Jesus will cost us dearly?

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